June 25, 2017 – Nelson

Up and at ‘em in the Aloha Lodge.  I’ve had time to stretch and dress before Marilyn’s alarm goes off.  She dresses and we go downstairs for our continental breakfast and some “harassment” from Michael.  We have strawberry yogurt and crunchy stuff (mine is chocolate rice crispy-like goodies) and a bit of fruit, with coffee and juice.  After breakfast Marilyn inquires about changing to a room with a bigger bed.  I’m quite used to sleeping on a twin;  but she woke up every time she tried to turn over!  There’s no problem and in a few minutes we’ve moved our things down the hall.

We haven’t heard back from Marilyn’s 99s contact about flying or at least having coffee today, so we set off on our own.  We make our way up SH 6 to Founders Park.  They have relocated about two dozen old buildings from Nelson’s past and they are all in perfect condition.  During the week, many of them are utilized by artisans who sell their work in the windmill, at the front of the park.  Even without them, the place is fascinating, with a bicycle shop, chemist, hospital, gasworks, fire station and many others.  

You can call one phone from the other!

One of the highlights for us was a ride on an open-air train car!  Such fun!! The entire operation is run by volunteers, including the maintaining of the track and cars and the rebuilding of one of the original steam engines.  Our conduction, Jim Maguire, is the president of the Nelson Railway Society.  It is obvious how much he adores his avocation.  They are hoping to extend the track further into Nelson one day soon. 

 We also had lunch at the Founders Brewery.  I have the Founders Famous Creamy Mushrooms – “mushrooms sautéed in our best brew, finished with cream and served with Pestells bacon and our toasted beer bread”.  And to compliment it, I have their 1946 Pilsner, which just won the Australian International Beer Gold Medal!

There’s a sign on the wall that details emergency procedures.  At the bottom is the section for earthquakes!  It says, “Drop  Cover  Hold  Initiate evacuation procedures when it is safe to do so”!  The Founders Cottage Hospital has a seismic evaluation posted.  It states that “People who enter this building are advised that an initial seismic assessment indicates that this building may be earthquake prone” and pose a potential risk in the event of a significant earthquake.” 

Sir Ernest Rutherford's childhood home.

We continue the rest of the way around the circle of structures and wind up back at the windmill for a spot of shopping.  After consulting the map, we head back down SH6 and located the World of Wearable Art.  Everyone as written amazing things about this place and even our host has recommended it highly.  We aren’t sure what to expect;  but we have to give it a shot!

Oh holy cow!!  This is the most amazing place!!  There are full-sized black mannequins that are dressed in the most unbelievably complex, imaginative and creative costumes/outfits/artworks that one could ever design!!  Each is more astounding than the last!  Words fail me!  You’ll just have to look at a few of the photos!  We spend close to two hours oohing and aahing!   

There are also lots of classic cars! There had been a Standard-Triumph plant in Nelson, which was taken over by Honda in the late 1980s.  In 1988 tariffs were removed and it was no longer feasible to assemble cars in NZ.  That’s when the building was transformed into it’s current incarnation.

Back at the Aloha we park the car and walk across the street and the park to the beach, just in time for a little walk before sunset. Marilyn gets into a conversation with a grandmother and her grandson.  He is so patient and lets Gramma rattle on!

After the golden hour we walk back to the Aloha, around the back of the building, and through the gate to the Smugglers’ Pub and Café.  It’s a family place with lots of young kids as well as all other age groups!  The America’s Cup is on the TV.  I order the Bandits Chicken Burrito, “a soft shell tortilla parcel fitted with spicy chicken, tomato, corn and bean salsa, topped with melted cheese, oven baked and served with crispy nacho chips, sour cream, guacamole and salad garnish.”  It’s delish!  Marilyn’s fish and chips, with king fish, looks perfect, too.

Back to our new room, with the bigger bed for my driver!! And we settle in for the evening.  Marilyn takes some screen shots to prepare us for the five and a half hour trip back to Christchurch tomorrow.  Michael says it may take longer because of the “lollipop” people (workmen who stop traffic with their round stop/go signs)!  We’re just planning to take our time, content in the belief that Lewis Pass won’t be snowed in and that we’ll be able to make the trip without incident.  All we have to do is make it to our B&B before dark!